Relative incidence of aphid (Lipaphis erysimi) and Alternaria blight on mustard in sub-mountainous region of Punjab

Abstract

Aim: To study the relative incidence of mustard aphid and Alternaria blight on different rapeseed-mustard varieties to assess their resistant or tolerant and most suitable variety for sub-mountainous area of Punjab. Methodology: The experiment was conducted on four mustard varieties (RLM-619, PBR-97, PBR-357 and Giriraj) with five replications in randomized block design during two crop seasons, i.e. Rabi 2018-19 and 2019-20 under sub-mountainous areas of Punjab. Aphid population was recorded at weekly interval. Disease severity was calculated using 0-5 rating scale and per cent disease intensity was calculated. Results: RLM-619 variety exhibited the lowest aphid infestation (7.92 and 8.96%) and minimum per cent disease intensity (28.0 and 33.33%) on leaves and siliqua (33.33 and 38.33%) which also gave highest yield (739.33 kg acre-1 and 735.67 kg acre-1) during the year 2018-19 and 2019-20. The lowest seed yield (487.67 kg acre-1 and 480.67 kg acre-1) was recorded in variety Giriraj, which was found susceptible to aphid infestation and Alternaria blight. Interpretation: RLM-619 exhibited tolerance against aphid and Alternaria blight, hence, this variety may be used as a key component under integrated pest and disease management in sub-mountainous area of Punjab in future.